In response to increasing global pressure, President Barack Obama has announced plans to admit at least 10,000 Syrian refugees to the United States next year. Despite criticism of the government’s efforts, spokesman Josh Earnest maintains that the US cannot realistically provide sanctuary to the four million Syrians who have fled their war-torn country. However, public sentiment has compelled Obama to raise the number of refugee admissions. Images of drowning refugees have shocked people around the world, prompting them to pressure their governments to take action.
Currently, the United States accepts approximately 70,000 refugees annually from various conflicts worldwide. However, the acceptance of Syrian refugees has been considerably slow. Concerns have been raised about the risk of potential infiltration by extremists affiliated with the Islamic State group. The Federal Bureau of Investigation director, James Comey, acknowledges this as a valid threat, emphasizing the importance of thorough security checks for incoming refugees.
The process of bringing refugees to the United States involves extensive security measures. Each refugee and their family undergo interviews with the Department of Homeland Security, and their names are cross-checked against government databases. Additionally, refugees must undergo strict security screenings even after being registered by the United Nations. The entire process can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months from referral to arrival in the US.
Various advocacy groups have criticized the Obama administration’s response, calling for the swift resettlement of a larger number of Syrian refugees. Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer states that the current commitment barely scratches the surface given the magnitude of the global emergency. Advocates urge the US government to launch a major resettlement effort that would provide protection for at least 100,000 Syrians in the next year.
In light of Obama’s plan to surge refugees, Congressional Republicans have cautioned against compromising the screening mechanism. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House of Representatives’ Homeland Security Committee, argues that the US lacks the necessary intelligence to effectively vet individuals from the Syrian conflict zone. McCaul insists that removing Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and defeating the Islamic State group would be the most effective way for the United States to contribute to relieving the crisis.
Amidst varying opinions and concerns, President Obama has made the decision to increase the admission of Syrian refugees to the United States next year. The move comes in response to mounting global pressure and public outcry surrounding the desperate situation faced by millions of Syrian refugees. While critics and supporters continue to debate the best approach, the Obama administration aims to strike a balance between providing aid and ensuring national security.
